How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear?

Have you ever wondered about how to check tire tread depth at home? “How do I check tire tread wear?” is a question we hear all the time–almost always immediately after drivers find out what an enormous difference new and properly-maintained tires can make on their daily drives. We’ve put together a quick guide for our neighbors in Chino Hills and Corona, so you can adventure with confidence.

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

New tires generally come with a tread depth of 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch, although there are exceptions to this general rule. For example, winter tires and tires designed for off-roading may start you off with a deeper tread. Some heavier trucks and SUVs may have even deeper treads.

As your treads become less and less significant, you’ll need to work harder to brake and control your vehicle on the roads near and far from home. When your tires reach 2/32 of an inch, the risk of flats and blowouts becomes much higher. You’ll want to pick up a replacement set as soon as possible.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth with a Penny

Sure, you can use a ruler or a tire tread gauge to check your tread depth at home. However, you may not always have what you need on hand. If you just want to be certain that you’re in the clear, the penny test can help you make an assessment in just a few moments:

Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down and out, towards you

Check to see how much of Lincoln’s head is visible. If you can see all of his face, you’re due for replacement.

Remember to check all four tires, and make sure to check each tire in multiple locations. If there are significant differences between your tires, you may have missed a rotation.

More Ways to Care for Your Tires

You may have heard that tires are the most important safety features on your vehicle! While they certainly aren’t the only components that you should concern yourself with, there’s a lot of truth to this sentiment.

Here are a few other things you should look for whenever you’re assessing your tread depth:

Make sure that all of your tires have the proper air pressure

Check for tire rot, tire disintegration, and visible tire damage.

Check to see if your tires line up together. If they don’t schedule a wheel alignment.

Maintain Your Tires at BMW of Ontario

In need of new tires, wheel alignment, or something else entirely? No matter what you need, it’s easy to schedule service at BMW of Ontario. We’re easy to reach from Rancho Cucamonga or Riverside, and we offer plenty of service specials to make the deal even sweeter.

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